Shagun Khanna, wife of Congress MLA from Punjab, Arvind Khanna, is as comfortable amongst the socialites of Delhi, as she is with villagers of Sangrur, her husband’s constituency.
Shagun is a very actively involved with her husband’s NGO Umeed. “Umeed reaches out to the under-privileged and looks into their healthcare, women empowerment, employment and education” she explains.
Empowerment of destitute women is one of the causes Shagun holds dear. “We teach them skills like embroidery and stitching,” she says proudly adding, “These skills help them make products like blankets, table mats and wine bottle covers, which we then sell.”
Apart from working for Umeed, Shagun helps her husband Arvind by pitching in and doing her bit for his constituency. “I visit Sangrur from time to time and listen to the people’s grouses.” And during elections, “I campaign extensively for my husband. I even make speeches and attend public meetings.” But she adds in the next line that she has no political aspirations for herself.
Shagun got married at the age of 19 to Arvind who was her family friend, says she has the time to do her bit for society as her sons Adhiraj (18) and Suryaveer (13) are grown up.
In her free time Shagun likes to meditate. She admits to being very simple as a person. This reflects in her sense of style as she says, “Though I like to wear designer clothes they must be simple and subtle.” Travelling is another major passion of this politico wife who lists London as her favourite destination because her in-laws have a house there and their holiday home acts as the perfect backdrop for some family bonding time.
She also loves to take off on beach holidays and go hiking at times.
When asked about how she and Preity became buddies, Shagun reveals, “We went to boarding school together in Shimla. I have known her since I was 11. She is like a sister to me.”